Naga Students’ Federation meets Lotha frontal bodies to strengthen Inner Line Regulations

DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) convened a high-level coordination meeting with the Lotha Hoho and its frontal organisations on Saturday at Lotha Hoho headquarters, Wokha, to discuss strengthening the Inner Line Regulations (ILR) and related concerns.

‎‎The meeting, chaired by NSF vice president, Vimeyiekho Vitso, focused on pressing issues relating to immigration control, safeguarding indigenous identity, and the socio-economic future of Naga youths, an update stated.

‎Delivering the keynote address, the federation’s president Mteisuding Harang underscored the escalating threat posed by unchecked illegal immigration, warning that continued negligence would endanger opportunities for future Naga generations.

He expressed serious concern over the random issuance of ILP, PRC, and trade licences to non-locals, calling it a harmful trend that weakens indigenous rights. Harang further encouraged youths to explore business and entrepreneurship in light of limited government job absorption and reminded the federation of its obligation to defend Naga identity, culture, and traditions.

Chairman of ILRC, Sechumo NSN Lotha, reaffirmed the need for collective action to safeguard the rights of indigenous citizens. Giving a detailed presentation on ILR sensitisation, he reiterated the urgent need for the state government to take serious cognisance of the recommendation submitted by the NSF. Some of the recommendations include establishment of ILP checkpoints at Dimapur Airport and Dimapur Railway Station, the major entry points for non-indigenous individual entering the state. President of Lotha Hoho, ‎ Mhondamo Ovung, stressed that poor enforcement and inadequate monitoring have intensified illegal immigration.

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He urged authorities to reflect on why outsiders continue to enter the state and questioned whether the local workforce is fully utilising opportunities in trade and labour. He also cautioned that railway connectivity may accelerate immigrant inflow if proper mechanisms are not put in place.

President of ‎‎Lotha Eloe Hoho, Thungbeni Ngullie, pledged full support to the NSF and ILRC movement, emphasising that women’s participation is crucial for long-term community awareness. She urged the district administration to collaborate closely with civil society and proposed a dedicated sensitisation programme for women.

A serious concern was highlighted by Lotha Youth Hoho president Limhathung Yanthan revealing that nearly 70–80% of business establishments in Wokha are operated by non-locals.

Yanthan, expressed unwavering support to the NSF-led campaign and warned against the misuse of "local guarantors," which has become a commercial practice and poses severe risks to Naga society.

‎‎President of Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) Lirhonthung Kithan reiterated the union’s commitment to assisting the federation.

The LSU leaders pointed out that non-locals often enter Nagaland without prior ILP due to the absence of border checkpoints, later obtaining ILP from district offices — an unsafe and improper practice. They recommended establishing ILP counters at all major entry points and noted that some outsiders acquire ILP passes in bulk to exploit the system.

‎The LSU reported that during recent ILP checking, several individuals were turned back for lacking valid ILP, yet the same persons later re-entered through Dimapur with illegally obtained pass — revealing serious gaps in enforcement and coordination.

The meeting resolved to intensify cooperation, pursue stronger enforcement mechanisms, and uphold the dignity, culture, and rights of the Naga people.

Former NSF presidents Mutsikhoyo Yhobu and Ninoto Awomi, also joined the deliberation, it stated.